Annapurna Circuit Trek Map: A Classic Trail Full of Surprises
After years of trekking across Nepal, I finally completed the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and I have to say—it truly lives up to the hype. This trek is famous for its wide variety of landscapes, from green hills and river valleys to snowy mountains and dry highlands. We followed the Annapurna Circuit Trek map from Besisahar to Jomsom, and every day felt like a new adventure.
If you’re thinking about doing this trek, here’s a simple guide based on our actual trail, using the most common route from east to west.
Starting Point: Besisahar (760m)
We began our trek from Besisahar, a town that’s a few hours’ drive from Pokhara or Kathmandu. From here, the trail follows the Marsyangdi River and passes through small villages and farmland. Many trekkers take a jeep further up to Chame to save time, but we decided to walk from the beginning to experience the full journey.
Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
Once we reached Chame, the air turned cooler, and the scenery became more mountainous. The trail from Chame to Upper Pisang was one of my favorite parts—full of pine forests, wide views, and peaceful trails. Upper Pisang has amazing views of Annapurna II, especially at sunset.
Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m)
We followed the higher route through Ghyaru and Ngawal to reach Manang. This part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek map offers incredible views and a quiet trail. Manang is a popular stop for acclimatization. We spent two nights here and did a short hike to a viewpoint above the village.
Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
From Manang, we climbed slowly to Yak Kharka, passing through dry and open terrain. The trees disappeared, and the mountains felt even closer. We saw yaks grazing and stopped often to rest and drink water. Altitude becomes a serious factor here, so we took it slow.
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
The walk to Thorong Phedi was short but challenging. Some trekkers stay at High Camp, which is a bit higher, but we decided to rest at Thorong Phedi to prepare for the big climb over the pass.
Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
This was the biggest day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek map. We started before sunrise and slowly climbed up to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek. It was cold, windy, and tough—but standing at the top felt like a huge reward. The views were wide and unforgettable.
Down to Muktinath and Jomsom
After the pass, we descended to Muktinath, a sacred village known for its temples and peaceful atmosphere. The landscape changed again—dry, rocky, and very different from the forested trails we saw earlier. From Muktinath, we continued to Jomsom, where we ended our trek. Some trekkers continue to Tatopani or even all the way to Pokhara by foot, but we chose to take a short flight from Jomsom.
Final Thoughts
The Annapurna Circuit Trek map is full of variety—from rivers and forests to high-altitude deserts and snowy passes. We met amazing people, stayed in mountain tea houses, and learned about local culture along the way.
If you want a trek that changes every day and gives you a full view of Nepal’s natural beauty, this is the one. Just follow the map, walk at your own pace, and enjoy one of the best trekking experiences in the world.